The Hawthornes, still doin' South Africa

&Union (&Beer &Sausage)

We arranged one of our favorite Cape Town activities while the peeps were here: a tasting at local beer salon &Union. They were originally named Brewers & Union, but their historic former church building wouldn’t allow the word “Brewers”, so they’re now simply &Union.

They have the greatest outlook on beer, treating it in a way typically reserved for wines — that is, identifying and appreciating the many layers of flavor, and carefully pairing each with food. In this case, mind-blowing housemade charcuterie!

The affable Simon led us through the tasting (our second time, but it will NEVER get old), walking us through the flight of 8 beers ranging from a proper Bavarian Weiss all the way to a sweet and creamy 13% ale. Each was paired with a bite of sausage (our hands-down favorite being the “Pig and Fig”) with cheese and/or mustard to bring out the subtleties of the brew. Truly eye-opening, and a whole new way of looking at the humble beer.

Come visit, and we’ll somehow force ourselves to go back and do it again. And again!